© 2025 WEKU
NPR for Northern, Central and Eastern Kentucky
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support WEKU and join the 1850 campaign for the future! 1,850 new supporters, each giving $10 monthly to keep WEKU strong. We are down to 1263 to go! Donate today!

Laurel judge-executive says tornado recovery going well; praises FEMA

In the midst of a Laurel County housing development battered by last month's tornado, this glass ornament was undamaged.
Erika Carter
/
Submitted
In the midst of a Laurel County housing development battered by last month's tornado, this glass ornament was undamaged.

Laurel County’s judge-executive said the recovery from the May 16th tornado that killed 18 people and destroyed nearly 300 homes is going well, but much remains to be done. David Westerfield said 75 to 80 percent of the storm debris has been cleaned up and things are improving for the citizens he talks to every day.

“They're just so fortunate to have the help that they've had to get them back up and going, and I just think they're overly pleased. And, you know, it's depressing, absolutely, but the overall morale, I think, gets better every day.”

Westerfield said he wanted to thank people from across the state who’ve pitched in to help and employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“They have just went above and beyond to try to help these people, and they continue to do that each and every day. They've been great to work with, from my standpoint.”

Westerfield said they still need items like nails for nail guns, plumbing fixtures and electrical wire. He said 75 to 80 percent of the storm debris has been cleared.

John McGary is a Lexington native and Navy veteran with three decades of radio, television and newspaper experience.
WEKU depends on support from those who view and listen to our content. There's no paywall here. Please support WEKU with your donation.
Related Content